It is undetermined how e-cigarettes affect a smoker’s health. / Photo by Cat Murphy.

Written by

Taylor Davis

Assistant News Editor

“E-cigarettes” are advertised as a healthier alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but whether they fit the profile as advertised remains the subject of discussion.

The percentage of people smoking normal cigarettes has reached historic lows in many parts of the country, mostly due to knowledge of tobacco-related health risks and policies restricting smoking in public spaces, according to Lisa Schrader, health promotion director at the university.

“I hate to think that years of positive trends and social norms could be reversed,” Schrader said. “With the introduction and growing popularity, these new devices have more questions than answers in terms of their impact and safety.”

E-cigarettes contain nicotine like their cigarette counterparts, but they do not contain tobacco, and instead of smoke, they emit vapor when inhaled.

“I don’t mind people smoking on campus,” said Morgan Washington, a junior public relations major. “But if they still have that cigarette smell to them, then I prefer outside because the smell can be very irritating. Even if it’s not a smell, I still say outdoors because it can also be a distraction to some people.”

E-cigarettes have not been fully studied and are not regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, which means the potential risks of the products are unknown. The FDA is also unaware if there are any benefits associated with using the product or how much nicotine and other harmful chemicals are being inhaled.

“I try not to use [the e-cigarette] in public, on the busses and around other people,” said Philip Grand, a senior electronic media communication major. “Others shouldn’t have to be around what’s coming out of my lungs even if it smells like candy… I’m sure there are several things in the liquids that are dangerous. I can’t tell you if they are more dangerous than regular cigarettes or not. I can’t imagine them being considered any more dangerous than actually smoking. Like a regular smoker, I am aware of the risks that come with inhaling anything, and that, of course, is my choice.”

Ten chemicals that appear on the California Prop 65 list, “a list of the chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity,” have been identified in e-cigarettes.

Hospitalizations of e-cigarette users for illnesses such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, disorientation, seizures, hypotension and other health problems have been reported to the FDA, but it is unknown whether the e-cigarettes caused them.The FDA is currently investigating the product.

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